Alive thanks to a friend

Alive thanks to a friend
ORGAN DONATION: Kidney transplant strenthens bond between donor and recipient
Posted By TINA PEPLINSKIE TPEPLINSKIE@THEDAILYOBSERVER.CA
Posted 1 day ago

When Tracey Baxter found out her best friend of 20 years needed a kidney, she didn't hesitate about offering to donate one of hers.

"It was an automatic response," she says matter-of-factly during an interview recently at her friend's house.

She wasn't afraid of the surgery, but admitted she did start to get nervous as the day got closer.

More than four months after a successful kidney transplant, Belinda Jamieson is still amazed about her friend's willingness to donate an organ. She is also grateful for how the transplant has improved her life and given her new hope for the future.

"She just said 'I'm going to give you a kidney' and I was in shock," said Ms. Jamieson, who had a kidney transplant last December after being on dialysis for just four months. "It still amazes me today when I think about it. She has been there for me through everything."

Because of her age, doctors told her she would be a good candidate for a transplant if she could find a donor. She explained the doctors wait until the kidney completely stops working before starting dialysis, so she had her first four-hour dialysis session three weeks before her wedding.

Throughout her life, Ms. Jamieson has dealt with a number of health issues including battling diabetes since she was 18 years old.

As a complication of diabetes, about five years ago she began developing kidney problems and learned she would eventually require a transplant.

It was about the same time that Ms. Baxter and her family were moving to the area when her husband was posted to CFB/ASU Petawawa.

The friends reconnected after years of living apart, although they grew up together in Nova Scotia when they were younger.

After Ms. Baxter signed up to be a kidney donor, both women went through an extensive screening process to ensure they were a match.

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Aside from a number of physical tests, the women also had to undergo psychological testing to ensure they would be capable of dealing with everything including the possibility of organ rejection, Ms. Baxter explained.

With all of the testing complete, they waited and in May 2008 they found out they were a match.

Everyone was surprised at how close the match was because the closest match is usually a family member.

The transplant took place Dec. 18 and after dealing with about a week of rejection issues, Ms. Jamieson found out on Christmas Day that things had turned around and the transplant was a success.

When she looks back, Ms. Jamieson still can't believe she rking 40 hours a week while going for three four-hour dialysis sessions each week.

"I really don't know how I kept going, but I think it was because I knew there was a better road ahead," he said.

"Now I have my life back. I am so happy to be alive and spend time with family, my husband, step kids and friends."

Although the pair was always close, this experience has further solidified the unbreakable bond.

They plan to mark the six-month anniversary of the transplant by doing something special together in June.

Because many people can't be part of living transplants, both women strongly encourage people to sign their donor cards, but more importantly discuss the decision with family members so they understand the importance of organ donation and are comfortable with the decision.

"It is important to make sure the family knows of their wish so they can give someone a second chance at life," Ms. Baxter said.

Ms. Jamieson is still home recovering, but the kidney is working great.

She is staying home to allow her diabetes to stabilize because of the new medication she must take to ensure her body doesn't reject the kidney.

Tina Peplinskie is a Daily Observer reporter

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